This site is a class blog space for new Career and Technical Specializations and Heathcare Science teachers enrolled in the New Teacher Institute (NTI) at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia.

Rules For Posting To This Blog and Weekly Blog Question

1. Only use your first name (no last names, addresses, IM screen names, etc.)2. Show respect and consideration of others when posting and commenting. This includes individuals, students, organizations, political parties, colleagues, etc.3. Check all posts for spelling and grammar errors before posting.4. Protect the privacy of others. Gain permission from other people before you write about them. Avoid sharing someone else's last name. Use job titles or pseudonyms when writing about experiences with your co-workers or students.5. Watch your language. Use politically correct and non-offensive language.6. Make sure you write about things that are factual.7. Keep your postings education-oriented. Avoid discussing plans for the weekend, etc.

FINAL BLOG POST - OUR "DAILY TRIPLE" (DUE 12/1).

This week I would like you to use your imagination. You have just won the lottery and will leave your teaching post immediately to travel around the world. As you leave your keys you meet your replacement. You are asked to give this new teacher just ONE piece of advice. What would that be, and why? Enjoy your world expedition!

Blog Post - Week 7

This past week in my own teaching I felt a little disconnected which prompts my question to you, "What was the moment (or moments) when I felt most disconnected or disengaged as a teacher - the moment(s) I said to myself, I'm just going through the motions here?"

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 6

For the past couple of weeks you have experienced asynchronous online learning (doing modules by yourself). Previously this semester you have experienced synchronous online learning (all together in the Collaborate room). Which do you think is more effective and why do you think that? Which do you like better, and why?

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 5

This week we have what we call "open mic." You can write a post about anything related to your teaching that you would like responses from your classmates.

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 4

Here is this week's question: "What was the event that most took me surprise this week - and event that shook me up, caught me off guard, gave me a jolt, or made me unexpectedly happy?"

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 3

Please write a post about the following question, "In thinking about my past week teaching what is one thing I would do differently, and why?"

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 2

Please write a post about the following question, " In thinking about my teaching activities this past week, of what do I feel most proud? Why?"

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 1

Describe something you used in your program in the first weeks of school that you learned in the summer NTI program. How did it work? Did it get you off to a stronger start than last year?

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Before NTI and Now

I taught for two plus years before even thinking of NTI. I tried to clean up the mess left behindfrom the previous teacher I replaced, but the kids were already used to doing whatever theywanted and it was very hard. I had to do all of the dirty work in order to get a lab assignmentgoing. I worried about the program in general. I had a lot of lip service and very little real support. I tried to follow the state DOE curriculum, but always seemed to run out of time. I hadnever seen students with behavior problems like the ones I encountered. I wondered often wasit worth going back and trying. Having said all of this is not to say that every day was terrible. It was just not structured in the correct way. I was not organized enough and my lesson plans were after thoughts. I had my doubts about NTI, as well. How could any class help with all of this? NTI has taught me to be more organized and has given me insight on both classroom and shopmanagement. I have learned to write a lesson plan that can be followed and makes sense. I have learned that there is no magic wand or silver bullet, but basic steps that you build upon in orderto become better. I am very thankful for NTI and the course it has set me on.